Fort Madison, IA – Fort Madison's proposed sports complex would feature three baseball/softball diamonds and three soccer fields that could double as football fields.
The complex would also include parking for 250-vehicles, a play area and concession stands.
It would be located across the street from the new Fort Madison Middle School, which is still under construction.
Matt Morris with the Fort Madison Economic Development Corporation says industries look for amenities like this when considering a community.
"They want to make sure that they can recruit employees to the communities and counties they locate in," says Morris, "and these types of projects provide that."
Morris says the complex is expected to cost about $3.4-million.
He says donations are already coming in, including $175,000 from Pinnacle Foods.
Morris says construction would get underway this spring if everything goes according to plan.
The task force behind the proposed sports complex plans to apply for a state grant that could cover half of the cost of the project.
The grant would require some financial support from the city and the county.
The Fort Madison City Council has pledged $500,000 over the next two years to the construction of the sports complex.
The contribution would come from the city's Grand Opportunity fund, which is supported by gaming revenues.
The Lee County Board of Supervisors did not offer such an enthusiastic response.
Several supervisors expressed hesitation about contributing during this week's meeting.
They cited similar facilities in communities throughout the county.
Chairman Ernie Schiller plans to put together a committee to decide whether to contribute to the project.